Convert a contact to a lead in Dynamics CRM
Question
Answers
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It is not possible to change the default setting so that you have an option to create a Lead or Contact when you track a Contact from Outlook.
You could consider trigging a workflow to create a Lead when a Contact is created in CRM and deactivate the Contact record, but you will need to have a way to identify the Contact records that you want to turn into Leads and I'm not sure of a way to do that without leveraging some Custom Code. Yes, you can do it, but you will most likely have to use a custom workflow to make it happen.
- Proposed as answer by Donna EdwardsMVP Monday, February 28, 2011 6:00 PM
- Marked as answer by Andrii ButenkoMVP, Moderator Thursday, June 16, 2011 2:42 PM
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I don't think I understand your comment, "not for making something like converting a Outlook Contact to a CRM Contact impossible"
That is exactly what the Track in CRM feature does. It automatically takes an Outlook Contact and creates a CRM Contact then syncs the two records to keep mapped fields updated.
This person would like a setting to have the Contact record create a Lead record in CRM when the Outlook Contact record is synced to CRM. That feature is not available out of the box. There are ways to make that happen, but one needs to use a workflow or some other method to let CRM know when it should create a Lead record.
- Marked as answer by Andrii ButenkoMVP, Moderator Thursday, June 16, 2011 2:42 PM
All replies
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Hello,
Doesn't the out of the box functionality help you? Converting a lead to a contact? However, you can programmatically create a new lead using an existing contact, then delete your contact, using JavaScript fetchxml or SOAP. Here's an article to help you out: http://www.bizforward.cws-international.com/2011/01/26/creating-records-in-crm-2011-using-javascript/
Cornel Croitoriu - Senior Software Developer & EntrepreneurIf this post answers your question, please click "Mark As Answer" on the post and "Mark as Helpful"
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It is not possible to change the default setting so that you have an option to create a Lead or Contact when you track a Contact from Outlook.
You could consider trigging a workflow to create a Lead when a Contact is created in CRM and deactivate the Contact record, but you will need to have a way to identify the Contact records that you want to turn into Leads and I'm not sure of a way to do that without leveraging some Custom Code. Yes, you can do it, but you will most likely have to use a custom workflow to make it happen.
- Proposed as answer by Donna EdwardsMVP Monday, February 28, 2011 6:00 PM
- Marked as answer by Andrii ButenkoMVP, Moderator Thursday, June 16, 2011 2:42 PM
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I don't think I understand your comment, "not for making something like converting a Outlook Contact to a CRM Contact impossible"
That is exactly what the Track in CRM feature does. It automatically takes an Outlook Contact and creates a CRM Contact then syncs the two records to keep mapped fields updated.
This person would like a setting to have the Contact record create a Lead record in CRM when the Outlook Contact record is synced to CRM. That feature is not available out of the box. There are ways to make that happen, but one needs to use a workflow or some other method to let CRM know when it should create a Lead record.
- Marked as answer by Andrii ButenkoMVP, Moderator Thursday, June 16, 2011 2:42 PM
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Tom,
It appears you may have misunderstood the question. In your response you say, "for making something like converting a Outlook Contact to a CRM Contact impossible". Microsoft has provided the functionality, "Out-of-the-box, to convert an Outlook Contact to a CRM Contact and visa versa.
The original poster asked if he could change that feature to create a Lead record in CRM rather than a Contact record. Out-of-the-box, integration does not provide this option. However, one can easily change that programatically if one chooses.
I suspect that you have either misunderstood the question, are not aware of out-of-the-box CRM features or are possibly one of several people I've come in contact with who simply like to make disparaging comments about Microsoft technology whenever they think they have an opportunity. In this case, I think you'll need to find another reason to make your negative comments as Microsoft CRM does provide Outlook Contact to CRM Contact integration.
If you are one of those who simply enjoys or feels the need to make disparaging remarks about Microsoft products, that's ok, and I encourage you to continue as all companies benefit from open dialogue. Having said that, the CRM Forum is not the place for that type of exchange since people come to the forum to try and find honest assistance for their questions and needs.
In the event that you need some suggestions for appropriate venues to express your thoughts and opinions, please consider a blog, various newsgroups, Twitter, Facebook, Instant Message, etc.
Thank you,
